It's easy to pay lip service to fallen heroes in the immediate aftermath, but it always renews my faith when our gratitude for those who sacrifice on our behalf continues beyond the initial shock of loss.  

For right or wrong, I feel even better when I see this gratitude crossing over from Sports.  Perhaps this is because so many service men and women are sports fans and they look to find the time in their precarious situations and duties to catch up on the sports scores and events that we can easily take for granted. 

This weekend in Michigan,  Powerboat racing will honor Marine Major Gerald Bloomfield by naming a race in their "Smoke on the Water" series the 'Maj. Gerald M. Bloomfield II Secretary of State Silver Cup.' 

Read more by clicking the picture of Major Bloomfield below.

One more note: Marine Major Gerald Bloomfield, was long ago given the nickname of 'The Beav', in reference to his youthful appearance and likeness to the main character in the series 'Leave It To Beaver'. 'The Beav's family was understandably devastated by their loss, but in a tribute worthy of a hero, Major Bloomfield's younger sister, Katy,  formed 'Team Beav'. Team Beav runs races like the Marine Marathon to raise money for injured service men and women and to give support to others experiencing the pain of loss of their loved ones.

IF YOU WANT TO JOIN KATY AND SUPPORT OUR INJURED SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN CLICK HERE
http://www.active.com/donate/teamsemperfi08/TEAMBEAV08

Have a good weekend, enjoy the Olympics and appreciate those that sacrifice so you can.

As Mick sayeth, Brett, Bite the Big Apple, Don't mind the maggots....

Anyone for another election year round of the Hanging Chad!

And as you might expect the Jersey is already on sale.

If you want it, here it is 15% off at the CBS Sports Store.